Let’s dive into our super fun mini-series that’s all about celebrating a few cool entrepreneurs! PaSH is centered around sharing inspiring stories, breaking down stereotypes, and sharing the authentic, behind-the-scenes moments that make entrepreneurs so amazing. Let’s dive into, “Leslie Anne Lee Uses The Magic In Her Pen To Provide a Life For Her Family “.
Meet Leslie Anne Lee
Leslie Anne Lee has been weaving stories since she was six, when she wrote her first book and won her first literary award in the second grade. Now the author of seven published works—including novels, poetry, op-eds, and literary essays—Leslie creates narratives that inspire, provoke thought, and leave a lasting impact. A true artist, she balances her passion for writing with acting and dancing, embracing creativity in all its forms. Yet, her greatest joy comes from her enduring marriage to her best friend and the love of raising her children.
What’s one misconception people have about your industry that drives you crazy?
The idea that writers are lazy people. We sit at home in our sweats and just type words on a keyboard and somehow make a living. Not so. I write, edit, market, publish, and promote everything. Only this last year, which is fifteen years after I wrote my first book, did I finally ask for help.
How do you stay motivated and innovative in your business?
I write for my family and friends. One day, I want to be able to take care of them and provide for them without having to work a dozen freelance jobs. I want to take financial worry off of my parents and friends who are struggling and PROVE that you can be a writer and a provider.
What’s your go-to quote?
As a writer, you must never indulge your audience. The audience is your adversary. You must defeat them, which means your writing must have the power to change them.
What is the most “you” thing in your workplace (bonus points if it’s quirky or unusual)?
My workspace is my closet so that is pretty quirky by itself. The nice thing is that everything in there is “me.” I have antiques, old books, whimsical, fantasy-type items, etc. My favorite things, though, are from my son and nephew. My son made a sign that says, “I believe in your magic,” and my nephew drew me a picture of a dragon and built me a peacock out of Legos (peacocks are my favorite animal).
Can you describe a moment when you felt like giving up and how you pushed through?
It was actually pretty recent. I had a friend who had helped to not only end Silken Waters, but also come up with the outline for the next two books. I was, and still am, indebted to them. Right before Christmas, they had a complete psychotic break and really became quite threatening and scary. It was devastating. I had no idea they were struggling with mental health, so it came as a total shock. After recovery, they would not admit to it, but lied and said they had disappeared because they had lost their phone. I really struggled to be motivated to continue pursuing this dream because I questioned my talent and ability. This person had always said I was incredible – and now I doubted that thought. The irony is that I think that made me almost obsessed with my work because I was trying to avoid dealing with my grief.
What is one lesson you’ve learned through your entrepreneurial journey that you think everyone should know?
Trust everyone and no one. I cannot tell you the number of times I have been screwed over by people who promised the world or, at the very least, offered help and guidance. It is so incredibly exhausting and frustrating. At times, you feel as though you are only as good as the money in your bank account. So, I have learned to try and figure out how to do everything for myself. However, when you are a mom and working , that can be challenging. Therefore, you have to look for the good ones, the ones you can trust, and work to foster those relationships so they will outlast the bad ones.
Thank you for reading, “Leslie Anne Lee Uses The Magic In Her Pen To Provide a Life For Her Family”. We hope you will continue to check back every few weeks for more additions to our fun mini series. You can learn more about Leslie Anne Lee by visiting her website: Leslie Anne Lee | website about my writing
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